They said this day would never come.They said our sights were set too high.They said this country was too divided;too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose.They Said, They Said . .

25 comments:

Anonymous
said...

even tho im english i can safely say that this is one of the best days of my life. 2 years ago i never would've thought this was possible, not for many years at least. without trying to sound biased, i really do feel he will be one of the best presidents that country will ever have.

Possessing the audacity of hope, I always believed Barack Obama will win. If America, Inc. could be seen a business, he will make a great President of the company. Inspiring speeches, effective branding and the overall powerful message aside, the simple truth is that he is a natural leader. Establishing trust with candor, transparency and credit, he simplifies constantly, teaches and explains things clearly in a measured manner. Every leader needs to clearly explain the top three things the organization (in this case, country) is working on. If they can't, then they're not leading well. Staying disciplined and detailed, Barack's temperament is aspirational and inspires commitment, passion, trust and teamwork. Understanding breadth, depth and context, he knows how the company (America, Inc.) fits in with the world and how to respond to that. He's shown that he has the courage to make unpopular decisions (especially under intense media pressure) and gut calls, whilst staying true to his own style. I've learned that leadership is an intense journey into yourself. You can use your own style to get anything done. It's about being taking personal responsibility and being self-aware. I know that every morning I look in the mirror and say, 'I could have done three things better yesterday,' and get straight to work. Exuding positive energy and optimism, Obama has inspired risk taking, learning and mastering the game by setting the example.

From his economic and energy policies through to education reform (charter schools and vouchers will change society) to healthcare plans to his action on prison industrialization (?uestlove from The Roots briefly explains here: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/features/id.1112/title./p.2), and in many other key areas, my man walks the talk. He will win and it will be a tough ride. However, he's built for this.

Plus, he has put together an unbelievably strong administration of senior advisors that are brilliant in their collective areas of expertise (of course, he's nowhere near done yet. I, for one, look forward to his appointments).

Given the current financial crisis, it's only natural that economic policy has finally emerged as the front and centre campaign issue, something that needed to happen long time ago. I had wondered all along why Obama was not taking the issue head-on, and attacking McCain where he is perhaps the weakest: his understanding of economics. Reading this article, I found the answer. It's from a piece in the New York Times Magazine that had a long article on Obamanomics. If you missed this article, published on August 20, it's perhaps one of the most comprehensive examinations of Obama’s thinking on economics, and I strongly encourage you to read it.http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/magazine/24Obamanomics-t.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Even though his plans are strong, Obama is still formulating certain ideas and gaining a much better all-round understanding of the economic policy alternatives. And for me, that is about the most reassuring thing to hear. Economic policy is a complex issue, and simplistic, populist moves are scary at best. The fact that in this article Obama looks like someone who is trying to understand, engaging with experts, and above all, studying, is encouraging. He certainly has the intellect to understand, which none of the other three key players in this election did. In the time that he will be President-elect, he needs to distill a crisp plan of action and communicate that to the voters.

To be fair, McCain had time to do the same some months back. But I had less confidence in McCain’s ability to do so, which left Obama in a position where the 2008 presidential election has become his to lose.

Anyways, hard work is ahead and I look forward to positive change and progress. Personally, Barack Obama has shown me the practical example of moving with purpose: making strategic alliances, forging strong relationships with powerful networks and mastering the game on several levels. I've already gone on long enough, so I'll cut myself off here. The Audacity of Hope from a leader such as he will make sure people not only see the vision, they live and breathe it.

Apologies for the extra-long post, but I think you'll all agree that this is a special day, so concessions can be made!

All Love.

PS: I'm sure you already have seen this from 18 months ago, but if not, check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4yVlPqeZwo

I was in Times Square last night and I can honestly say I have ever witnessed something so uplifting, perfect and inspirational in my life. Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama's running so we all can fly

@ anon. very nice detailed account to why obama has become president, not just because of his colour, one question if your mixed race dose that mean your black?? i feel the right man was chosen because of what he stands for but i still feel that the world will still be the same, fighting over the same old issues of war race and money.

the event that took place yesterday was one that I thought I would never see. I am obviously from the UK, and not that interested in politics. However after seeing a speech Obama did, I was inspired. He is just amazing, no other words for it... has great policies, seems like a great guy...i am so proud that he was elected...and this is coming from for someone who is not remotly interested in the UK politics or elections!I wish I was american and could vote!Yes it is a big deal because he is black...but lets think about some of the issues that people have been bringing up; he will need tighter security- well...of course he will, he is the president of the USA, regardless of skin colour all the presidents would need and have had tight security.

Obama is set to change the world. A great night, history was was made!

Congratulations to President Barack Obama on his decisive victory. The country voted for change with both feet. I wish for only the best for the new President. Rest assured, he will have the backbone to stand up to some of the wild "liberal" policies of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid on business issues. A centre-left business agenda with compromises on business taxes, unionization (Free Choice Act) and trade (let NAFTA live) would be in the best interest of the one thing we all want--good jobs for more people. I'm looking forward to seeing how he appoints his brain trust.

Today there's a natural mystic blowing through the air. It has only just dawned on me that America has elected it's first African American President. The significance only hit me when I saw the tears of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and I reflected upon the words of Dr Martin Luther King Junior:

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I look at this natural born leader - now President Elect - who speaks on behalf of a new generation and can only give thanks that unlike in 2004 when people appeared so anti-Bush and voted him back in - they got it right this time. It's an historical day for the US not just because they have voted their first African-American president - but because they've voted the most intelligent and promising man - his race is and should be insignificant.

Prayers and best wishes for the USA can't stop here though. There's something still very sad about the fact that Obama gave his speech behind bullet proof screens - I guess all new Presidents would - but I hope the US really has moved on and that radicals will back down and will work with and not against him.

I gotta say that CNN's coverage was brilliant. They explained everything, always up to date. Very well projected and great analyst that spoke with great confidence.

I find it hard to understand how Sky News were predicting the votes before CNN!

Well done Obama, you were not voted in for being black you give people hope and belief. Young america were tired of the old fail methods and you give them a real sense of worth and that middle america matters.

I believe Barack Obama may select former Treasury Secretary Larry Summer for the position once again (http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0806/gallery.obamas_advisors.fortune/4.html).

In the situation the U.S. is currently in, they need someone who is very smart to understand the issues clearly. Plus, his previous experience in the post will serve him greatly to avoid the steep learning curve.

Any thoughts from fellow posters?, or does your political start and stop at the fact that he's a man of colour?

He's not live until January, and it's still Bush up until that point.. We all know what hedid and still has time to do. Obama might only be in office for one term, and that'snot long enough to get things done.

And while all the celebrations are going on, people eyes or focused in one area...

I hear the British gov sold military planes of to an eastern country a little while ago...I wonder what else they are selling off?

Most people who are all of a sudden "proud" of Obama just tuned in for the result, and the ensuing 'brand' identification. The majority are not politically astute nor socially aware and have absolutely no idea of any of his stance nor policies. Shame, really. Get smart or shut the fuck up. Bandwagon-jumping dumb muhfuckaz.

it has only just hit me; the shear magnitude of this event. i have thought, many times throughout my life, about the prospect of a black president of the united states of america. i honestly. hand on heart, never thought i would witness it at this stage of my life. i knew it was possible, even inevitable, but i never thought it would happen at this stage of the game.

many people i have spoken to today have mocked me due to the fact that i stayed up all night to watch the election results come in. the election results of a country that i am not officially a part of. i am half american, but without dual citizenship, so for that reason i do not seem to count. people around the world do not seem to realise that this past 24 hours has been more than just an election for the president of the united states of america. it has literally changed the world.... overnight. without trying to sound big-headed and complacent... the united states has just voted in a black leader to rule a 'white' nation. a nation which, 40 years ago, separated the two colours. martin luther king jr. stated that he had a dream, over the past 24 hours that dream has come true.

as i said in the first comment of this post, this is probably the best 24 hours of my life. just three years ago i, along with my sister (aged 8) and family, were staying overnight in a holiday inn in northern england, where one resident said over breakfast when my sister could not decide what to eat, "just give her a banana!". there is no longer an excuse to use such language. there is no longer an excuse for a white man (i do not aim this at all white men) to look as as coloured man as an inferiour; he will look at him as an equal.

i am sure that barack obama will deliver the promises he has made during his election campaingn. he must know that there is alot riding on his success. barack hussein obama will be the greatest president the united states has ever witnessed. he will silence many, but inspire a generation.

"Most people who are all of a sudden "proud" of Obama just tuned in for the result, and the ensuing 'brand' identification. The majority are not politically astute nor socially aware and have absolutely no idea of any of his stance nor policies. Shame, really. Get smart or shut the fuck up. Bandwagon-jumping dumb muhfuckaz".

Your just saying this to get a reaction,yes I've noticed this to but why be bitter about it as long as the reaction is positive?. What would you prefer? an inslaut of racial abuse aimed towards him..and in case your going to ask I've known of Obama's great work since mid 2005,so don't come at me saying that I've only known him for a minute..congratulate,dont player-hate and stfd.

it is a little annoying when certian people are condemning the fact that people are only getting excited because of his heritage. Yeah, and? Nearly all press angles are directed at this being a poignant moment for black people who have lacked so much in role models incld Lewis Hamilton.

And this IS a GREAT moment for black people, who at one stage were not even allowed to VOTE

Barack NEVER once spoke about his "blackness" nor his being a role model for black people, he doesn't need to nor will he do as he doesn't see himself in those myopic terms--he's bigger, better and smarter than that. The majority of simplistic negroes will take pleasure in the fact that there's a black prez, whilst doing jackshit to change their situation or learn from his strategic moves and check for how smart he really is. Smart black people will continue to work hard and rock the world whilst utilizing the positive energy and influence from smart, savvy heads such Tiger Woods, Shawn Carter, Lewis Hamilton, Clarence Otis, Jr (CEO of Darden Restaurants--look it up), John Thompson, CEO of Symantec--again, look it up), Barack Obama, etc. Unless you're going to learn from positive examples, shut the fuck up. I want to see all people succeed, rather than just regurgitate slogans that they have no connection with. Make history, change and progress. Don't talk about it, be about it.